Grímsey suðurhlutinn Mixed trail (both hiking and cycling)
Hiking trail to the southern part of the island, where you can see, among other things, the lighthouse, bird cliffs, beautiful basalt-columned bays and islets, the centennial stones, and Miðgarður Church.
More information
Region
Norðurland, Akureyrarbær
Starting point
66.539452, -18.015574 (66° 32.367'N, 18° 0.934'W)
Markings
Sign(s) at the starting point of the trail
Duration
3 - 4 hours
Surface
- Pavement - e.g. asphalt or concrete
- Grass
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
Aqueduct - A ditch or a chute to divert water
The hiking trail mostly follows uneven paths where puddles often form, with surfaces of rock, grass, or soil.
Hazards
- Wind gusts - A route known for powerful wind gusts
- Slippery trail
- Car traffic
- Cyclist traffic
- Horse traffic
Service on the trail
- Restrooms
- Garbage disposal
- Campsite
Í þorpinu og við kirkjuna eru snyrtingar. Tjaldsvæði er í þorpinu og rusladallar, en sorpílát eru einnig á nokkrum stöðum meðfram akveginum þar sem er bundið slitlag.
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
Hiking trail to the southern part of the island, where you can see, among other things, the lighthouse, bird cliffs, beautiful basalt-columned bays and islets, the century stones, and Miðgarðakirkja Church.
The hike begins in the village and from there heads up the island, south of the restaurant and shop. Turn left when you reach Vallagata, and just before the house with the radio mast, turn right onto the path that leads up the hill. Pass through the gate that separates the village from the outfield; it is important to close the gate behind you.
Follow the path straight up the hill to the east side of the island, where you can see masts and wind turbines. Go east past these structures to the junctions there. Then turn right (south) and follow the path all the way down to the lighthouse.
Note: you will need to pass through a gate again on this route, and it is important to close it as well!
When you reach the lighthouse, it’s fun to take a short detour out to the rocks at the southern tip of the island, where you can find the century stone 1717. This stone marks the first recorded arrival of the Arctic Circle on the island in historical times.
Follow the shoreline until you can see the house Borgir (the first house on the west coast). Then follow the path south of the house and back onto the gravel road that leads to the church and the village, and follow it back to the starting point of the hike.
The hike begins in the village and from there heads up the island, south of the restaurant and shop. Turn left when you reach Vallagata, and just before the house with the radio mast, turn right onto the path that leads up the hill. Pass through the gate that separates the village from the outfield; it is important to close the gate behind you.
Follow the path straight up the hill to the east side of the island, where you can see masts and wind turbines. Go east past these structures to the junctions there. Then turn right (south) and follow the path all the way down to the lighthouse.
Note: you will need to pass through a gate again on this route, and it is important to close it as well!
When you reach the lighthouse, it’s fun to take a short detour out to the rocks at the southern tip of the island, where you can find the century stone 1717. This stone marks the first recorded arrival of the Arctic Circle on the island in historical times.
Follow the shoreline until you can see the house Borgir (the first house on the west coast). Then follow the path south of the house and back onto the gravel road that leads to the church and the village, and follow it back to the starting point of the hike.